Thank you for giving your support to Girls Inc.

I would like to commend the owners of Taco Bell and their staff, Youth & Family Services Board Members & Staff; as well as the many businesses and citizens of Rapid City who stepped forward for a very needy cause of supplying Girls Inc. with a reliable vehicle to transport their Health Connections children.

How amazing it is that the leaders of our community step forward, whenever asked in time of need, to help. How wonderful it is to have media partners in radio, television and print. You made a huge difference. Taco Bell had an all time record sales in a one-hour period.

It is essential that everyone in our community realize that the need is growing and the contribution pool is not.

Please know that whether you can contribute $20 or 20 cents, so many organizations need your contribution. If you feel you cannot donate monetarily, please donate your time. If you have any questions, please contact myself at 716-5666 or the United Way of the Black Hills at 343-5872.

Dawn Claymore

Rapid City

Suggested changes are needed in the school system

It is time for the school bell to ring once again. And I've been thinking about a few major problems in the Rapid City School system that I feel can and should be addressed.

The teachers in Rapid City deserve our respect and admiration for doing their best to teach our kids under very difficult circumstances. Most noticeable at Central High, where the overcrowding is a stress for the students and the teachers, one that is not needed.

I'm suggesting a couple things that should be thought about:

First, classes no larger than 25 students. The excess of any classes could be held at the Civic Center (which is not used 365 days a year).

Second, to break the school system down like so: Instead of having K-5th, 6-8, 9-12, I suggest K-3, 4th-6th, 7th-9th & 10-12.

By making a new grade school, instead of a new high school, classes would be smaller all around. Less stress for teachers, less for students and the term "No Child Left Behind " would actually mean something.

Thomas Scheveck

Rapid City

Childhood obesity, nutrition bigger threat than terrorism

As the sixth anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the United States is marked, a much larger threat to our nation is rearing its ugly head. Researchers at Atlanta's Morehouse School of Medicine have just reported a rising rate of high blood pressure among America's children. Based on surveys of nearly 30,000 children aged 8-17 by the National Center for Health Statistics, the report will be published in the September 25th issue of the American Heart Association journal Circulation.

More than 400,000 American children are developing high blood pressure, a chronic precursor to heart attack and stroke that has traditionally afflicted only adults. The leading cause is the childhood obesity epidemic brought on by a diet grounded in sugary foods and drinks and fat-laden meat and dairy products.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 90 percent of children consume excessive amounts of fat and only 15 percent eat the minimum daily recommended servings of fruits and vegetables.

It's no wonder that most children are overweight and one in six are obese. Childhood dietary habits become lifelong addictions.

Parents should insist that children consume more whole grains, legumes, vegetables, and fresh fruits. They should work with their PTAs to demand healthy meals, snacks, and vending machine items in schools.

Helpful resources are provided at www.choiceusa.net.

RANDALL COIT

Rapid City